STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Afterimage"
(fka "Untitled Dax")
#40510-553
Written by
Rene Echevarria
Directed by
Les Landau
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1998 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
July 24, 1998
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Afterimage" - 07/24/98 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Afterimage"
CAST
SISKO GARAK
KIRA
ODO
BASHIR
O'BRIEN
WORF
QUARK
EZRI
JAKE
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES MORN
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Afterimage" - 07/24/98 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Afterimage"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
PROMENADE/SECOND LEVEL HOLOSUITE/CLIFF
BAJORAN TEMPLE
QUARK'S
CAPTAIN'S OFFICE
GARAK'S SHOP
GUEST QUARTERS
HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
REPLIMAT
AIRLOCK CORRIDOR
INFIRMARY
WORF'S QUARTERS
TURBOLIFT
WARDROOM
DS9 - "Afterimage" - 07/24/98 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Afterimage"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
AUDRID ODD-rid
CURZON KIHR-zahn
EMONY EM-oh-knee
JORAN juh-RAN
FANALIAN FUH-nail-ee-un
GOLANA goh-LA-nah
I'DANIAN ih-DANN-ee-un
NOLABERRY NO-luh-berry
RAYMER RAY-mur
TALPET TAWL-pet
RAKTAJINO ROCK-ta-GEE-no
TOBIN TOE-bin
TORIAS tuh-RYE-us
ELIM EE-lim
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Afterimage"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
2 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL
CLOSE on EZRI DAX, who's standing at the rail
looking wistfully at the CROWD below.
EZRI
It's funny... before yesterday,
I'd never set foot on this
station -- but it's as familiar
to me as the back of my hand.
ADJUST to REVEAL --
3 MORN
standing next to her.
EZRI
Isn't that odd?
Morn blinks uncomprehendingly.
EZRI
You have no idea who I am, do
you?
Morn shrugs.
EZRI
I didn't think so.
(mustering a smile)
Thanks for listening anyway..
Morn turns and heads off. Ezri sighs, moves away...
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 2.
4 INT. PROMENADE
As Ezri takes in the sights, she walks with her
HANDS CLASPED BEHIND HER BACK the way Jadzia used
to.
As she passes the Bajoran Temple, she stops. She
finds herself drawn to it, but at the same time
she's hesitant about going in. She comes to a
decision, EXITS through the doorway.
5 INT. BAJORAN TEMPLE
as Ezri ENTERS the empty room and tentatively
approaches the alcove where the Orb is kept.
Standing near the spot where Jadzia was killed is a
strange sensation for her, and she's not sure what
to make of it.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 3.
6 KIRA
ENTERS and crosses toward a SHRINE set up with lit
CANDLES. As she reaches for the ritual LIGHTER,
Ezri turns toward her and they recognize one other.
The two women stand there for a moment, not sure how
to deal with each other -- Ezri sees Kira as an old
friend, but Kira sees her as a relative stranger.
Finally, Ezri blurts out what's on her mind --
EZRI
I was killed here.
Kira is nonplussed by her sudden declaration --
EZRI
I mean, Jadzia was.
Kira reacts to this grim reminder of the friend she
lost, remembering her own role in what happened.
KIRA
I try not to think about that.
If I did, I'm not sure I could
come here.
EZRI
(looking down at the
spot)
It's a strange sensation. Dying.
No matter how many times it
happens to you, you never get
used to it.
It's odd to hear someone talk about dying, and
having no experience with it, Kira just listens
respectfully.
EZRI
It must be a little disconcerting
for you -- knowing that I have
Jadzia's memories.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 4.
6 CONTINUED:
EZRI (Cont'd)
(sympathetic)
No wonder you're uncomfortable.
Kira can't deny that she is, but she wants Ezri to
know that time might change things.
KIRA
It's a lot to get used to...
EZRI
Tell me about it.
An awkward silence... not wanting to push things,
Ezri decides to leave...
EZRI
Well... I'll let you get to your
prayers...
Kira nods, and Ezri EXITS. Off Kira's face as she
tries to make sense of her feelings...
7 INT. QUARK'S
A quiet afternoon. FERENGI WAITERS are preparing
for dinner and a few DABO GIRLS stand at the wheel
gossiping. QUARK is going over some PADDS at the
bar. Ezri approaches tentatively.
EZRI
How's my favorite Ferengi?
QUARK
(without looking up)
That depends which Ferengi you're
talking about.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 5.
7 CONTINUED:
EZRI
I'm talking about you, Quark.
Who else would I be talking
about?
Quark looks up and sees the young Trill officer
standing in front of him, quickly realizes it must
be the new Dax he's heard about.
QUARK
Dax.
EZRI
(smiling)
Hi.
Liking what he sees, Quark decides to be a little
more charming.
QUARK
I was wondering when you were
going to drop by.
They stand there, smiling and nodding like two
people at a high school reunion, not sure what to
say each other. Finally:
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 6.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
I can't believe it's really you.
EZRI
Me, neither.
(off Quark's
confused
expression)
I mean... of course I can believe
I'm really "me" as in Ezri. It's
just I haven't gotten used to the
idea of "me" as in Dax.
Quark tries not to let her confusion derail him.
QUARK
Well, whoever you are, let me buy
you a drink.
He pours her a TANKARD of bloodwine. She picks it
up, takes a sniff.
EZRI
(unsure if she likes
it)
Bloodwine...
QUARK
That's the good stuff -- same
vintage I served when you and
Worf got married.
EZRI
Smells awful...
QUARK
It used to be your favorite.
EZRI
(handing over the
glass with her
right hand)
I used to be left-handed, too. A
lot of things have changed since
I was joined.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 6A.
7 CONTINUED: (3)
QUARK
I can imagine. Seven lifetimes
worth of memories would mix
anybody up.
(beat)
Or is it eight?
EZRI
Who knows anymore?
QUARK
(giving her
something else to
drink)
It'll be easier once you get
settled in. Have you picked out
your quarters yet?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 7.
7 CONTINUED: (4)
EZRI
I'm not staying. I'm going back
to the Destiny to be assistant
ship's counselor.
QUARK
You're a therapist?
EZRI
Why does everyone sound so
surprised when they hear that?
QUARK
It's just...
(reaching)
You're so young.
Ezri looks unconvinced --
QUARK
Why are you in such a hurry to
leave, anyway? Why not stay for
a while, get to know your old
friends again.
Part of Ezri wants to, but...
EZRI
I don't want to force things.
People need time to get over
losing Jadzia.
QUARK
I started getting over her the
minute you walked in. No
offense.
EZRI
None taken.
(beat)
I think.
She studies him for a beat.
EZRI
You know something, Quark.
Besides Benjamin, you're the only
one of Jadzia's friends who
doesn't seem uncomfortable around
me.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 8.
7 CONTINUED: (5)
QUARK
She and I were close, I don't see
any reason why we shouldn't be
close, too.
Ezri is oblivious to Quark's continued attempts to
charm her --
QUARK
Remember all those late night
tongo games?
EZRI
Who could forget?
(realizing)
Wait a minute... you owe me ten
slips of latinum from our last
game.
Quark wishes he hadn't brought it up.
QUARK
I don't think so.
EZRI
I won with a Full Consortium. I
remember.
QUARK
Your memory must be playing
tricks on you.
EZRI
Don't say that, Quark. I'm
confused enough as it is.
QUARK
(distracting her)
Look who's here!
He motions to someone off-screen --
8 NEW ANGLE
to include WORF, who's just ENTERED the bar and is
standing in the doorway.
QUARK
I bet you two have a lot to talk
about.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - TEASER 9.
8 CONTINUED:
This is the first time Ezri's seen Worf since Jadzia
died. She smiles tentatively, but as soon as Worf
sees her, he stiffens, turns away, and EXITS.
QUARK
Maybe not...
Off Ezri's face as she tries to make sense of Worf's
reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT ONE 10.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
9 INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE
where SISKO, absorbed in something he's reading off
a PADD, is crossing behind his desk. The door
CHIMES.
SISKO
Come in.
When the door doesn't open, he turns to look.
Strangely, there's no one standing outside in Ops.
He moves toward the sliding glass doors to
investigate.
Another CHIME, and Sisko realizes it's coming from
the other door to his office, the one he rarely
uses. Puzzled, he moves toward it, works the PANEL,
and OPENS it to reveal Ezri in the corridor.
SISKO
(surprised)
Dax...
She peers past him to make sure no one's there with
him.
EZRI
Are you alone?
SISKO
(gesturing her in)
Why are you sneaking in this way?
EZRI
I didn't want to go through Ops,
in case Worf was there.
Dejected by her predicament, Ezri comes inside,
making sure to stay clear of the glass doors to Ops.
EZRI
(continuing)
We bumped into each other last
night in Quark's.
SISKO
It didn't go well, I take it?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT ONE 11.
9 CONTINUED:
Ezri shakes her head.
SISKO
(gently)
You weren't expecting him to
accept you right away, were you?
EZRI
Of course not. But he wouldn't
even talk to me.
Sisko realizes it went worse than he thought,
wonders if there might be a simple explanation.
SISKO
Maybe he's just trying to respect
your customs -- he knows that
joined Trill aren't supposed to
get involved with the people
their previous hosts were married
to.
EZRI
That doesn't mean we can't talk
to each other. Worf knows that.
SISKO
Are you sure?
EZRI
I told him all about Trill
traditions -- Jadzia did. We
discussed them.
(frustrated with the
pronoun confusion)
They discussed them.
SISKO
(it's okay)
I understand.
EZRI
(shaking her head)
These pronouns are driving me
crazy.
Ezri cautiously leans over so she can peek out
through the glass doors into Ops. In the
background, we can see Worf at his post.
EZRI
Look at him, Benjamin. He's in
pain.
Sisko peeks out and studies the impassive Klingon.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT ONE 11A-13.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
How can you tell?
EZRI
I was his wife. I can tell.
Ezri moves away from the door and settles heavily on
the couch.
EZRI
I don't want to put him through
any more heartache than he's
already going through. It's a
good thing I'm going back to the
Destiny.
SISKO
(wishing it weren't
true)
So you're still planning on
leaving?
EZRI
I can't stay. I couldn't do that
to him. Besides, I think it
might be easier for me on the
Destiny. There are too many
memories here...
As much as he doesn't want to face the fact that
she's leaving, Sisko has to accept it.
SISKO
I'm going to miss you, old man.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT ONE 14.
9 CONTINUED: (3)
EZRI
I'm going to miss you too,
Benjamin.
Off the moment between the two old friends...
10 INT. QUARK'S
where ODO, BASHIR and O'BRIEN are sitting with
GARAK. Garak is busy working a CARDASSIAN PADD, not
really paying attention to the conversation.
BASHIR
(to O'Brien)
-- no, I'm going to be Travis.
You're Crockett.
ODO
And who am I going to be again?
BASHIR
General Santa Anna.
(to Garak)
When can our costumes be ready?
Garak is so intent on his work he doesn't hear
Bashir.
BASHIR
Garak?
GARAK
Hmm?
BASHIR
Our holosuite costumes -- when
can they be ready?
GARAK
I'm afraid you're going to have
to get them from somewhere else.
THREE STARFLEET OFFICERS approach a nearby table to
talk to their friends -- they end up standing right
behind Garak's chair, crowding the space between
tables.
GARAK
My shop's closed.
O'BRIEN
Still?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT ONE 14A.
10 CONTINUED:
GARAK
Starfleet Intelligence is keeping
me quite busy these days.
BASHIR
What if we let you be Crockett?
O'BRIEN
(objecting)
Hey.
Garak glances at the people looming behind him,
scoots his chair in a little.
GARAK
Even if I was interested, I don't
have the time. Do you have any
idea how long it takes to decode
a Cardassian military
transmission? I invented some of
the basic encryption protocols
when I was with the Obsidian
Order, and it still takes me days
to decipher a simple sentence.
BASHIR
You've got to take a break sometime.
GARAK
I intend to. As soon as the
Dominion has been driven off
Cardassia.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT ONE 15.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK (Cont'd)
(turning suddenly to
the people behind
him)
Must you stand so close?
It comes out a little sharper than Garak seemed to
have meant it too, and Bashir, O'Brien and Odo
aren't sure what to make of it.
The three officers Garak snapped at are a bit taken
aback, but they comply and move out of the way.
BASHIR
That was a little harsh.
GARAK
I don't like people looming over
me.
(standing)
I have to get back to work.
(all smiles again)
Thank you for your company,
gentlemen.
And with that, Garak takes his leave. Odo watches
him go, and Bashir and O'Brien exchange "what was
that all about?" looks. Off this moment...
11
thru OMITTED
12
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT ONE 16-17.
13 INT. GARAK'S SHOP (VPB)
We can see that the shop has been closed for some
time. The MANNEQUINS are BARE, and any CLOTHES in
the racks are wrapped and bound. Several WORK
CONSOLES have been set up in the room.
Garak is sitting at a console, trying to decode a
Cardassian transmission. He seems to be having
trouble concentrating, and we might notice a SHEEN
OF SWEAT on his forehead. As he works the console,
we see some of the CARDASSIAN SYMBOLS change and
regroup into Cardassian LETTERS.
As he studies the monitor, he tugs at his collar as
if it's too tight. He touches his forehead and is
alarmed to see how damp it is. Trying to fight back
a mounting sense of panic, his BREATHING starts to
become shallow and labored. We hear a faint
rhythmic SOUND that starts to build as the scene
progresses -- Garak's HEARTBEAT. Behind him, Odo
ENTERS, carrying a STARFLEET PADD.
13A NEW ANGLE - GARAK'S POV
We see Odo's mouth move, but we can't hear anything
except the SOUND of Garak's breathing.
ODO
(mouth silently moving)
Starfleet intercepted another
Cardassian military transmission.
Garak stares at him -- we hear the SOUND of his
BREATHING, the quickening of his HEARTBEAT.
ODO
(mouth silently moving)
Are you all right?
Garak panics, starts to hyperventilate -- as he
falls to the floor, we cut to --
13B NEW ANGLE
ODO
(audible now)
Garak!
GARAK
(gasping for breath)
Can't... breathe...
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT ONE 18.
13B CONTINUED:
ODO
(slaps combadge)
Odo to Infirmary -- we have a
medical emergency.
Off this moment, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 19.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
14 INT. INFIRMARY
Bashir is using a MEDICAL TRICORDER to scan Garak,
who's sitting on a BIO-BED. Sisko and Odo look on.
ODO
(to Sisko)
He had a claustrophobic attack in
his shop...
SISKO
His shop?
(to Garak)
I don't understand. That's a
good sized space.
GARAK
(still shaken)
I know.
(trying to make
sense of it)
I've been claustrophobic for as
long as I can remember, but
lately it seems to have gotten
worse. Rooms that I once found
completely tolerable suddenly
feel alarmingly cramped.
As he says this, he glances around the Infirmary, as
if it too were starting to feel too close for
comfort.
BASHIR
(closing tricorder)
I wish I had an explanation, but
I don't. He checks out fine.
GARAK
(annoyed)
Well, I don't feel fine.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 20.
14 CONTINUED:
GARAK (Cont'd)
(getting off the bio-bed)
Would you gentlemen mind terribly
if we continued this conversation
on the Promenade?
Sisko and the others exchange looks, and the captain
gestures that they should file out.
15 INT. PROMENADE
as Sisko, Bashir, Odo and Garak step outside. He
takes a breath, seems to relax a little in the
larger space.
ODO
Better?
GARAK
A little.
SISKO
Mister Garak, as much as I
sympathize with your situation,
I'm not sure why you asked to see
me.
GARAK
I was hoping you'd be kind enough
to express my regrets to
Starfleet Intelligence. When I
get like this, my concentration
isn't what it should be. I'm
afraid I'm not going to be up to
decoding transmissions for a
while.
Sisko frowns... this is not good news.
SISKO
Can I let them know when you
might be back on the job?
GARAK
I wish I could say.
(off Sisko's disappointment)
Believe me, captain, I'm not
happy about it either. I want to
see this war end as much as you
do.
Sisko acknowledges with a nod.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 20A.
15 CONTINUED:
GARAK
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm
going to go hem some pants.
(off their puzzled
looks)
For some reason, sewing seems to
calm me down.
Sisko and the others watch as Garak moves away.
ODO
(puzzled)
Sewing?
SISKO
(to Bashir)
We can't afford to lose Garak
right now. Is there anything you
can do for him?
BASHIR
To be blunt, our friend Garak
needs to have his head examined.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 21.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
Off Sisko's reaction, we cut to --
16 INT. GUEST QUARTERS - CLOSE - EZRI
Her face UPSIDE DOWN in FRAME.
EZRI
Me? You want me to work with
Garak?
17 ADJUST TO REVEAL
Sisko crouched next to Ezri, who's standing on her
head, her legs propped against the wall.
SISKO
You're a counselor, aren't you?
EZRI
Assistant counselor. I'm still
in training.
SISKO
Come on, Dax. What are you going
to learn in the next few months
that you haven't already learned
in the last three hundred years?
EZRI
How to keep from breaking into
tears for no reason; how to
resist the urge to stand on my
head -- things like that.
SISKO
Why are you standing on your
head?
EZRI
Emony used to do it.
SISKO
The gymnast?
EZRI
She found it relaxing.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 22.
17 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Do you?
EZRI
Actually, it's giving me a
headache.
She lets her legs fall to the ground and gets into a
sitting position. She and Sisko continue their talk
sitting on the floor.
EZRI
What about Julian, can't he work
with Garak?
SISKO
Julian's a good physician, but
he's not a counselor --
(before she can
point it out)
-- or even an assistant
counselor. And besides, he
doesn't have eight lifetimes of
experience under his belt.
EZRI
I bet he doesn't stand on his
head for no reason, either.
SISKO
You can do this, old man. I know
you can.
EZRI
(giving in)
All right. I'll try. I just
wish I had as much confidence in
me as you do.
Off this moment...
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 23.
18 INT. QUARK'S
as Quark sidles up to Bashir at the bar.
SUPERNUMERARIES as needed.
QUARK
So what do you think?
BASHIR
About what?
QUARK
About her.
BASHIR
(getting exasperated)
Who?
QUARK
Dax.
BASHIR
Ezri? She seems... nice.
QUARK
Meaning what?
BASHIR
Meaning... nice.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 24.
18 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Come on, Doctor. I know the way
you felt about Jadzia.
BASHIR
She's not Jadzia.
QUARK
She's the next best thing.
(beat)
So are you interested?
BASHIR
Sounds to me like you're the one
who's interested.
QUARK
It's not every day you get a
second chance with a woman.
BASHIR
She's not the same woman.
QUARK
She's still Dax, isn't she?
BASHIR
More or less.
QUARK
That's good enough for me.
(beat)
Ready for a little competition?
BASHIR
You're insane.
QUARK
And you... are going to lose.
And with that, Quark moves off, leaving Bashir with
his own thoughts...
19 INT. GARAK'S SHOP
Garak has pushed the computer consoles he was
working with aside in order to make way for a sewing
TABLE. The shop is still closed, but he's pulled
out unfinished work to do, and we find him using a
handheld DEVICE to work on a pair of women's PANTS.
He seems much calmer now, just like he said he'd be.
The door OPENS and Ezri ENTERS.
EZRI
Am I interrupting?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 25.
19 CONTINUED:
GARAK
(waving her in)
You must be Ezri Dax. The
captain told me you'd be dropping
by to... "counsel" me.
EZRI
Is that all right?
In truth, it's Garak's intention to get her out of
there as quickly as possible, though he intends to
be polite about it.
GARAK
That depends on what's involved.
You see, I'm a very private
person.
EZRI
I understand. So is it helping?
Garak isn't sure what she's talking about --
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 26.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
EZRI
(off his look)
The sewing. Is it making you
feel better?
Garak decides to use this as an opening to start
getting her out of there.
GARAK
Thankfully, yes. In fact --
EZRI
(before he can
continue)
You're lucky, nothing helps me.
Garak just can't seem to get enough of a bead on her
to implement a polite eviction.
GARAK
Are you claustrophobic, too?
EZRI
What makes you say that?
GARAK
You just said --
EZRI
(realizing the
misunderstanding)
No, I get spacesick. Ever since
I was joined. I'm very sensitive
to motion. I can even feel the
station spinning.
GARAK
(amazed)
Really?
EZRI
(nods)
It's because of what happened to
Torias. He died in a shuttle
accident.
GARAK
(confused)
Why would that make you
spacesick?
EZRI
Because I blame myself for what
happened.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 26A.
19 CONTINUED: (3)
GARAK
You were piloting?
EZRI
Yes. No. Depends on how you
look at it. Torias was my fifth
host. Didn't I say that?
GARAK
No.
EZRI
Well, he was. And I think the
reason his death has stayed with
me for so long is that I just
can't seem to forgive him for
getting himself killed.
GARAK
But you said it was an accident.
If he wasn't to blame, then
you're not to blame, either.
EZRI
I know. But somehow I can't help
punishing myself for it.
GARAK
(seeing if he follows)
By getting spacesick.
EZRI
Exactly.
We can see that Garak is starting to feel
comfortable around her -- he's responding to the way
she's able to connect with his experiences by
drawing on things that happened in her many
lifetimes.
GARAK
Don't take this the wrong way,
but it sounds to me like you're
the one that needs to see a
counselor.
EZRI
You're probably right. But I
didn't come here to talk about my
problems.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 27.
19 CONTINUED: (4)
EZRI (Cont'd)
Do you remember anything
traumatic happening to you when
you were young -- something that
involved getting trapped in a
confined space.
GARAK
If I'd been that careless, my
father would've left me there to
teach me a lesson.
EZRI
Sounds like he was strict.
GARAK
He didn't get to be the head of
the Obsidian Order without a
sense of... discipline.
EZRI
Did he discipline you?
GARAK
He'd punish me when I misbehaved.
What father wouldn't?
Ezri files Garak's response away and presses on --
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 27A-28.
19 CONTINUED: (5)
EZRI
Did your mother approve of his
punishments?
GARAK
Not that it mattered. She didn't
have a key to the closet.
EZRI
The closet?
GARAK
(matter of fact)
My father used to lock me in when
I misbehaved.
EZRI
(why didn't you tell
me?)
Garak, I asked you if you'd ever
been trapped in a confined space
when you were young.
GARAK
I wasn't trapped. I knew he'd
let me out when I learned my
lesson.
We may start to notice Garak beginning to exhibit
the first signs of an incipient claustrophobic
attack -- despite his matter-of-fact tone, all this
talk of being locked in a closet is getting to him.
EZRI
(incredulous)
Learned your lesson?
GARAK
(tugging at his
collar)
I could be very stubborn.
EZRI
That's not the point. Nothing a
child could do justifies locking
him in a closet.
Garak isn't sure if he accepts that -- after all,
it's how he was raised.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 28A.
19 CONTINUED: (6)
EZRI
No wonder you get claustrophobic.
It's just like me getting
spacesick. We're both punishing
ourselves for things that weren't
our fault.
Garak considers what she's saying for a long beat...
GARAK
Are you saying that if I can stop
blaming myself, my claustrophobia
will just disappear?
EZRI
Not overnight, but letting go of
all this misplaced guilt would be
a good start.
Garak takes this in, decides to take it under
advisement.
GARAK
(dabbing his
forehead)
Well, I'll certainly give your
advice some thought.
EZRI
(noticing his face)
Are you all right?
GARAK
To tell you the truth, I'm
starting to feel a little
claustrophobic.
EZRI
Probably because we've been
talking about it.
(steadying herself)
Actually, I'm starting to feel a
little spacesick myself.
GARAK
If you don't mind, I think I'll
get back to my sewing.
EZRI
Good idea.
GARAK
(picking up his
seamer)
Thank you for coming by.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 29.
19 CONTINUED: (7)
EZRI
(dizzy)
My pleasure...
She heads for the door, weaving a little as she
walks. Garak looks up from his work for a beat,
then gets back to it. Off this moment...
20 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
21 INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
as Ezri makes her way toward her quarters. She's
still a little dizzy, and as she rounds a corner,
she bumps smack into --
22 WORF
their eyes lock, a thousand things they have to say
to each other going through their heads. Finally...
EZRI
(softly)
Hello, Worf.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT TWO 30.
22 CONTINUED:
The sound of her voice snaps him out of it.
WORF
Ensign.
With a curt nod, he starts to move past her.
EZRI
Ensign? That's all you have to
say to me?
WORF
What more is there to say?
EZRI
(incredulous)
I was your wife.
WORF
(hard)
You are not Jadzia. She died and
went to Sto-vo-kor. I do not
know you, nor do I wish to.
And with that, he moves away, leaving Ezri stunned
and shattered. Off this moment, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 31.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
23 INT. GUEST QUARTERS
Ezri is standing at the window looking out at the
stars, trying to decide if the station's spinning is
still making her spacesick. A CHIME at the door.
EZRI
(without turning)
Come in.
The door OPENS to reveal Sisko. He studies Ezri for
a beat.
SISKO
Dax... ?
EZRI
Do you think the chief could
adjust the inertial dampers so
the station would spin a little
slower?
SISKO
I don't know. Why?
EZRI
Never mind.
(turning to him)
To what do I owe the pleasure?
SISKO
I'm not going to say I told you
so, but Garak dropped by Odo's
office this morning. He wanted
to pick up the latest Cardassian
transmissions for decoding.
EZRI
(surprised)
Really?
SISKO
Looks like his claustrophobia is
under control.
EZRI
(can't quite believe it)
I guess our talk must've
helped...
SISKO
Told you so.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 31A.
23 CONTINUED:
EZRI
I thought you said you weren't
going to say that.
SISKO
Couldn't resist.
Ezri smiles, but Sisko can see that something's
still troubling her.
SISKO
You all right?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 32.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
EZRI
I talked with Worf.
SISKO
How'd it go?
EZRI
He doesn't want to have anything
to do with me.
Sisko takes this in for a beat...
SISKO
Maybe I should have a talk with
him.
EZRI
Absolutely not. You intimidate
him.
SISKO
Me?
EZRI
Don't tell him I told you.
SISKO
(trying to get used
to the idea)
I intimidate Worf.
EZRI
You like that, don't you?
SISKO
Of course not.
EZRI
Come on. I've been a man, I
know.
Sisko isn't about to admit anything, tries to get
back on track.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 33.
23 CONTINUED: (3)
SISKO
Look, we're not talking about me
and Worf, we're talking about you
and Worf. Now, I sympathize with
what he's going through, but as
far as I'm concerned, you have as
much right to be here as he does.
EZRI
(sensing he's taking
this somewhere)
What are you getting at,
Benjamin?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 34-35.
23 CONTINUED: (4)
SISKO
This war hasn't been good for
morale around here. I've been
thinking the station could use a
counselor. I can't think of
anyone better suited for the job.
EZRI
(touched)
Thanks for saying that. But even
if Worf wasn't an issue, I'm
still just an assistant
counselor.
SISKO
I took the liberty of contacting
Starfleet Medical. They're
willing to waive the rest of your
training and give you a
commission as a full counselor
with the rank of lieutenant.
EZRI
(amazed)
How'd you talk them into that?
SISKO
I asked them what they thought
you were going to learn in the
next few months --
EZRI
(finishing for him)
That I haven't already learned in
the last three hundred years.
SISKO
They saw my point. I wish you
would, too.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 36.
23 CONTINUED: (5)
EZRI
Benjamin, it means a lot to know
that you want me to stay. But I
can't.
SISKO
Because of Worf...
EZRI
Mostly.
SISKO
Just say the word, and I'll go
intimidate him for you.
EZRI
You'd like that, wouldn't you?
Off their shared smile...
24 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
25 INT. REPLIMAT
where Ezri is standing at the replicator trying to
decide what to have. SUPERNUMERARIES as needed.
EZRI
(to Replicator)
I'danian spice pudding. No,
cancel that. I'll have kilm
steak, rare. No, Tobin was a
vegetarian. Give me...
(at a loss)
BASHIR (O.S.)
Two Fanalian toddys, hot.
She turns to see Bashir standing behind her.
EZRI
How'd you know?
BASHIR
Lucky guess.
He takes the TWO MUGS from the replicator slot.
BASHIR
Join me?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 37.
25 CONTINUED:
EZRI
Sure.
They settle around a table.
BASHIR
So... here we are.
They regard each other for a beat, and Ezri catches
a thought flicker across his features.
EZRI
What was that?
BASHIR
What was what?
EZRI
That look.
BASHIR
(unsure if he should
tell her)
This might be the last thing you
want to hear right now... but you
have Jadzia's eyes.
(off her discomfort)
I shouldn't have said anything.
EZRI
Don't flirt with me, Julian.
Please.
BASHIR
I'm not.
EZRI
I remember the way you used to
flirt with Jadzia.
BASHIR
(innocent indignation)
It was just an observation.
EZRI
Good. Because I'm not like her.
She knew how to handle it.
(come to think of
it)
In fact, she enjoyed it.
Bashir finds himself feeling absurdly pleased.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 37A.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
Really?
EZRI
(surprised)
You didn't know?
BASHIR
(covering)
Well, I suspected...
EZRI
You can be very charming.
(knowing this will
mean a lot to him)
And you want to know something?
If Worf hadn't come along, it
would've been you...
This means more to him than he can say, and he looks
away to keep her from seeing his eyes going moist.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 38.
25 CONTINUED: (3)
She sees the emotion in his face, lets go of her mug
to take his hand.
26 ADJUST TO REVEAL
Worf looking on from the shadows under the spiral
staircase, his eyes boring in on the scene. His
features grow hard, and he turns and stalks away.
26A INT. REPLIMAT
EZRI
You really miss her, don't you?
BASHIR
(smiles sadly)
I suppose I always will... but
somehow, talking to you seems to
help.
Ezri's touched, but the moment's shattered when a
COM VOICE interrupts.
COM VOICE
Deputy Talpet to Doctor Bashir.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT THREE 38A-39.
26A CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Go ahead.
COM VOICE
We have a medical emergency in
Airlock Seven. It's Garak, sir.
Bashir and Ezri exchange a look as they stand --
BASHIR
On my way.
As they head off...
26B INT. AIRLOCK CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
as Bashir and Ezri arrive at the mouth of the
airlock, where TWO DEPUTIES are standing watch.
They look inside the airlock and are stunned to see
Garak at the airlock door, frantically trying to
roll it open so he can get out into the OPEN SPACE
beyond.
GARAK
Open it! Let me out!
He pounds on the airlock control panel, exasperated
that he doesn't know the access code.
26C EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
From outside the airlock door, we can see the panic
and desperation in Garak's face as he peers out at
the STARS, which are faintly REFLECTED in the glass.
Off this image, we...
27
thru OMITTED
29
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 40.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
30 OMITTED
30A EXT. HOLOSUITE CLIFF - DAY (OPTICAL)
Ezri and Garak are sitting on a LEDGE overlooking an
alien OCEAN. A slight BREEZE whips up occasionally
around them; we can hear the distant SOUND of waves
crashing against the shore.
She's brought him here to calm him down, and while
he's no longer panicked, he's still shaken from his
experience. When we cut in, she's leading him
through some breathing exercises.
EZRI
(inhaling)
Breathe in...
He takes a deep breath...
EZRI
(exhaling)
And out.
(repeating the
process)
In... and out.
(a beat)
Better?
He nods slightly, but we can see that he's still
rattled.
EZRI
(trying to get him
to take in the
view)
Beautiful, isn't it? Look at
that sky. It just goes on and
on.
GARAK
No, it doesn't. It's an
illusion. There's a holosuite
wall not ten meters in front of
us.
EZRI
But you can't see it.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 41.
30A CONTINUED:
GARAK
I can feel it.
EZRI
We could call up another program.
GARAK
(angry with himself)
I can't believe the way I
humiliated myself back there.
(trying to make
sense of what he
did)
I just wanted to... get out.
I couldn't breathe.
EZRI
(wry)
If you were looking for fresh
air, you were knocking on the
wrong door.
GARAK
(trying to rally
himself)
I have to get this situation
under control. If I don't, I'm
going to be forced to leave the
station.
(panic rising)
Where would I go? I can't go
back to Cardassia... I doubt I'd
be welcome on Bajor...
Ezri can see that he's in danger of getting himself
worked up again --
EZRI
You're not going to have to leave
the station. I'll talk to Quark
and tell him to make this
holosuite available to you twenty-
six hours a day.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 42.
30A CONTINUED: (2)
EZRI (Cont'd)
Whenever you feel like walking
out the nearest airlock, you can
come here instead.
Garak nods, taking some comfort in having an escape
valve.
EZRI
It's going to be all right
we're going to get this under
control. I promise.
A quiet moment as they look out at the water...
GARAK
If you don't mind, I'd like to
sit here and be alone for a
while.
EZRI
I'll check in on you later.
Garak nods, and Ezri puts a comforting hand to his
shoulder. She stands, EXITING the frame as she
starts back across the ledge. We HOLD on Garak
until we hear the SOUND of the holosuite door
opening and closing.
30B NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Off the image of Garak alone on the ledge, looking
out at the ocean...
31 OMITTED
32 INT. INFIRMARY
Bashir is using some TWEEZERS to try to get
something out of Quark's ear. It's clearly a
delicate procedure, and Quark is bracing for some
pain.
QUARK
Ow!
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 43.
32 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Hold still.
(probing)
I think I've got something.
Bashir pulls the tweezers out and is surprised to
see that he's retrieved a small FEATHER.
QUARK
(frowns)
I knew it. Never get a Tympanic
Tickle from an amateur.
BASHIR
Tympanic Tickle... ?
(before Quark can
explain)
Never mind. I don't want to
know.
(crossing away)
Sit tight. I'm going to get you
an antibiotic.
Bashir crosses into the other room, over to the
dispensing closet. As he starts searching the
bottles, a HAND claps down on his shoulder. ADJUST
to REVEAL --
33 WORF
standing at his side.
WORF
We need to talk.
BASHIR
About what?
Worf pushes Bashir up against the wall.
WORF
Do not toy with me, Doctor. I
know how you felt about Jadzia.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 44.
33 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Worf, that was a long time ago.
WORF
(anger rising)
I saw you with her.
BASHIR
(confused)
With Jadzia?
WORF
You know who I'm talking about.
BASHIR
You've got it all wrong.
WORF
Stay away from her.
BASHIR
(indignant)
Now wait just a minute.
Bashir tries to free himself from Worf's grip so
that he can continue, but he can't do it. He
decides to continue anyway.
BASHIR
You have no right to tell me who
I can be friends with.
WORF
If you dishonor Jadzia's memory,
you will regret it.
His point made, Worf heads for the door. When he
sees Quark peeking in from the other room.
WORF
That goes for you too, Ferengi.
And with that, Worf EXITS.
QUARK
What did I do... ?
Off Bashir and Quark as they consider his warning...
33A EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 45-46.
34 OMITTED
34A INT. QUARK'S
Quark is behind the bar talking with one of the
FERENGI WAITERS when he sees Ezri ENTER.
QUARK
Uh-oh.
(to waiter)
Keep an eye out for Worf.
The Waiter nods and moves off.
EZRI
Hi, Quark. Can I have a cup of
coffee?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 46A.
34A CONTINUED:
QUARK
(trying to get rid of
her)
Why would you want to pay me for
coffee when you can get it for
free at the Replimat?
Quark catches sight of a figure in his peripheral
vision, turns to see a KLINGON standing at the
window to the Promenade.
QUARK
(thinking it's Worf)
Ah.
(realizing it's not)
Oh.
Ezri's too busy to ask what his problem is.
EZRI
Can I have a cup of coffee,
please? I want to get back up to
Garak.
QUARK
He's gone. He left about an hour
ago.
EZRI
(surprised and
concerned)
Where'd he go?
QUARK
I don't know.
(shooing her off)
Well, don't just stand there. Go
find him.
Off Quark's relief as she moves off...
34B INT. PROMENADE
as Ezri approaches Garak's shop she stops short at
what she sees. Garak is pulling a DRESS off a rack
and TEARING it at the seams.
34C INT. GARAK'S SHOP - CONTINUOUS
as Ezri ENTERS.
EZRI
Garak... ?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 46AA-46B.
34C CONTINUED:
He turns to look at her and we can see that he's
clearly agitated, but not in the way we've seen when
he's feeling claustrophobic -- he's angry,
frustrated and fed up.
He grabs his SEAMER and starts to flatten the torn
dress on his work table.
EZRI
I thought you were going to stay
in the holosuite for a while.
GARAK
I got tired of looking at a fake
landscape and pretending I was
outside. Work is the answer.
My father always used to say that
a person should throw themselves
into their work.
(sewing frantically)
Do your chores, Elim. I told you
to do your chores.
EZRI
(sensing an opening)
And if you didn't? What would he
do to you?
GARAK
Oh, no. Don't start. Spare me
your insipid psychobabble. I'm
not some quivering neurotic who
feels sorry for himself because
his daddy wasn't nice to him.
(a beat; pointed)
You couldn't begin to understand
me.
Ezri tries not to be thrown by Garak's sudden attack
on her -- she knows patients sometimes direct
misplaced anger at their therapists.
EZRI
I'd like to try.
Garak tosses his work aside and approaches her, his
anger rising.
GARAK
I'm sure you would. You'd like
nothing more than to pry into my
personal affairs.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 46C.
34C CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK (Cont'd)
Well, I'm not interested in
dissecting my childhood... all I
want is to free my people from
the Dominion. I don't need
someone to come in here and hold
my hand, I need someone who can
help me get back to work. And
you, my dear, aren't up to the
task.
Ezri's stung... he's speaking to her greatest fears.
GARAK
Look at you. You're pathetic.
A confused child trying to live
up to the legacy left by her
predecessors. You're not worthy
of the name Dax. I knew Jadzia --
she was vital -- alive. She
owned herself. But you -- you
don't even know who you are.
(in her face)
How dare you presume to help me?
You can't even help yourself.
Ezri has no answers for his withering criticisms.
GARAK
(calm)
Now, get out of here. Before I
say something unkind.
She turns and hurries out before the tears spill
from her eyes. Off the satisfaction in Garak's face
at having driven her out...
34D INT. PROMENADE
as Ezri hurries past people, trying to keep from
breaking down. Needing a place to hide, she ducks
into the Temple.
34E INT. BAJORAN TEMPLE
as Ezri ENTERS the empty room. She slumps against
the wall, slides down to a sitting position, and
tries to choke back the sobs welling up inside her.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FOUR 47.
34E CONTINUED:
Her eyes fall to the place where Jadzia was killed,
and she loses it... as she buries her face in her
hands, we...
35
thru OMITTED
36
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 48.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
37
thru OMITTED
37A
37B INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE
Sisko is seated at his desk looking at a PADD. Ezri
is standing in front of him.
SISKO
What's this all about?
EZRI
What does it look like? I'm
resigning from Starfleet.
SISKO
Why?
EZRI
Because I can't do my job.
Garak's right -- how can I help
other people when I can't even
help myself?
SISKO
I know this has been a hard time
for you, old man --
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 48A.
37B CONTINUED:
EZRI
(cutting him off)
Don't call me that! I'm not the
old man. I'm not Curzon. Or
Jadzia.
SISKO
No, you're Ezri. Ezri Dax.
You've been given eight lifetimes
worth of experience -- I know
it's confusing right now, but in
time you'll see it's a wonderful
gift.
EZRI
It's a gift I don't deserve.
Sisko slams the PADD on his desk --
SISKO
If that's the way you feel, then
go back to Trill. Talk to the
Symbiosis Commission -- maybe
you can convince them to take the
symbiont out of you.
EZRI
I wish they could. But removing
the symbiont would kill me, you
know that.
Sisko stands and moves around his desk.
SISKO
If you're leaving Starfleet,
you're going to have to find
something to do. Maybe you could
be one of those people who takes
care of the symbiont pools? It's
quiet in those caves. No one
around, no one expecting great
things from you. You could spend
the rest of your life
underground, in the dark,
stirring mud. Eighty or ninety
years of that might be just what
you need.
(beat)
And as for Dax? That symbiont's
had eight amazing lives -- so
what if the ninth is a waste?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 48B-51.
37B CONTINUED: (2)
EZRI
Stop it, Benjamin. I thought you
of all people would understand--
SISKO
(cutting her off)
I do understand. You were right.
You don't deserve the Dax
symbiont. And frankly, you don't
deserve to wear that uniform.
Ezri is speechless. Sisko picks up the PADD.
SISKO
I'll pass this on to Starfleet
Command. Dismissed.
Stung, she turns and heads out the side door.
37C INT. HABITAT RING CORRIDOR
Ezri emerges from Sisko's Office and rounds the
corner. She leans back against the wall to try to
collect herself. Off her face as she grapples with
what Sisko has said to her...
38 OMITTED
39 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
Worf is sharpening his BAT'LETH when the door CHIMES.
WORF
Yes.
The door OPENS to reveal O'Brien holding a bottle of
BLOODWINE.
WORF
Not again.
O'BRIEN
(holding up the bottle)
Compliments of Doctor Bashir.
Worf frowns, realizing Bashir must've told O'Brien
about what happened.
WORF
He sent you here?
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 52.
39 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
It was my idea.
(coming inside)
Now, if you want to skip the
drinking and get right down to
talking, I'm game.
WORF
(getting back to his
bat'leth)
What do you wish to discuss?
O'BRIEN
Julian swears there's nothing
going on between him and Ezri.
There's no reason for you to be
jealous.
WORF
(anger rising)
This has nothing to do with
jealousy. I know the Doctor
cared for Jadzia. But this woman
is not Jadzia. And treating her
as if she were dishonors her
memory.
O'BRIEN
No, treating Ezri like a stranger
dishonors Jadzia's memory.
O'Brien's words speak to the confusion Worf is
feeling, and in a sudden motion, he vents his
frustration and swings his bat'leth down to SMASH
the table --
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 53.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
It doesn't make sense. She is
not Jadzia, yet she is. How can
I honor the memory of the woman I
loved when she's not really dead?
O'Brien sees the pain in Worf's features, gives him
a moment to calm down.
O'BRIEN
I don't have an answer for you,
Worf. But let me ask you this:
how do you think Jadzia would've
wanted you to treat Ezri?
WORF
There is no way to know.
O'BRIEN
Yes, there is. And the person
who can tell you is the person
you've been avoiding ever since
she got here.
And with that, O'Brien EXITS, leaving Worf with a
lot to think about...
40 OMITTED
40A INT. GARAK'S SHOP
where Garak is working at his sewing table when Ezri
ENTERS.
GARAK
I didn't think you'd darken my
doorstep again.
EZRI
I just wanted to say I'm sorry.
I wish I'd been able to help you.
GARAK
(pointed)
So do I.
EZRI
Well, don't worry. I won't be
bothering you anymore. I'm
leaving in the morning.
GARAK
Yes, I heard the Destiny was
going to be arriving tomorrow.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 54.
40A CONTINUED:
EZRI
They're putting in for supplies
before they head to the front.
But I won't be going with them.
I've decided to go back to Trill.
GARAK
(could care less)
How nice for you.
EZRI
(thinking he might
be interested)
Actually, the Destiny's going to
join the Seventh Fleet at
Kalandra.
GARAK
Kalandra?
EZRI
(giving him his due)
Those transmissions you decoded
last week must've convinced
Starfleet that it's a good place
to launch a new offensive.
Garak turns away to busy himself with his sewing
table, his features vaguely troubled.
GARAK
Yes... the transmissions did
indicate it was somewhat
vulnerable.
EZRI
If the offensive goes well,
Starfleet will have you to thank
for it.
GARAK
(tugging at his
collar)
That's very gratifying...
EZRI
I just thought you should know...
Garak slaps his SEAMER down, turns away.
EZRI
Are you all right?
Garak seems to be trying to steady his breathing.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 55.
40A CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK
Of course I'm all right. That's
very good news about Kalandra.
Ezri is starting to realize that she's stumbled onto
something here -- a key to what's been troubling
Garak.
EZRI
Let's just hope it goes well.
The Cardassians will put up a
strong fight.
GARAK
Indeed they will. But in the
end, they'll lose.
EZRI
How can you be so sure?
GARAK
Because they won't be expecting
an attack.
(bitter)
They have no idea I broke their
code.
He dabs at the sheen of SWEAT on his forehead,
trying to cover his condition.
GARAK
(more to himself)
All those Cardassians are going
to die... because of me...
EZRI
I suppose that's one way to look
at it.
Garak starts to pace, trying to fight back the
claustrophobic panic he's feeling.
GARAK
What other way is there?
EZRI
That by helping to end the war,
you're saving lives.
GARAK
Who will I be saving -- Humans,
Klingons, Romulans?
EZRI
And Cardassians.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 56.
40A CONTINUED: (3)
GARAK
No, not Cardassians. They're
going to fight to the end. The
Dominion will see to that.
Garak's breath catches in his throat and he has to
fight to regain it -- his legs give way underneath
him and he has to hold on to the table for support.
Ezri moves to him and he fiercely grabs hold of her.
GARAK
(fiercely)
Don't you see? I wanted to
believe I was helping my people,
liberating them, but all I've
done is pave the way for their
annihilation. I'm a traitor!
I've betrayed --
(throat catching)
-- every...
(gasping)
-- thing...
He collapses, desperately struggling for breath.
Ezri can see that he's literally in danger of
choking to death --
EZRI
(slaps combadge)
Dax to Infirmary, I need a
medical team.
Off this moment...
40B EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
40C INT. INFIRMARY
where Garak is lying on a bio-bed as Ezri
approaches.
EZRI
How are you feeling?
GARAK
(embarrassed)
Well... I'm breathing a lot
better than I was.
A moment as they regard each other.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 57.
40C CONTINUED:
EZRI
At least we found out what's been
triggering these claustrophobic
attacks you've been having.
GARAK
(trying to make
sense of it)
When I first agreed to help
Starfleet, I was convinced that
it was the right thing to do. I
didn't allow myself to doubt it,
even for a moment. I never
realized how much it was gnawing
away at me.
(a beat)
I suppose I was looking for a way
out... and the claustrophobia
gave me an excuse to stop
fighting against my people.
EZRI
(gently)
Now that you know that, what are
you going to do?
Garak knows there's only one thing he can do.
GARAK
Get back to work. What else can
I do? The Dominion has to be
stopped. Even if it means the
destruction of Cardassia.
EZRI
The captain's going to be glad to
hear you're back on the job.
GARAK
He has you to thank for it.
(beat)
And so do I.
A moment between them.
GARAK
So what about you? Are you still
planning on going back to Trill?
Ezri hadn't thought about it, but now that he brings
it up, she realizes things have changed.
EZRI
No. I'm going to stay in
Starfleet.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 58.
40C CONTINUED: (2)
GARAK
I'm sure the captain will be glad
to hear that, too.
EZRI
(remembering)
My resignation --
CUT TO:
41
thru OMITTED
44
45 INT. CAPTAIN'S OFFICE
where Ezri is once again standing in front of
Sisko's desk -- a mirror image of scene 37B.
SISKO
(re: the PADD in his
hand)
Now what?
EZRI
It's my request to be reinstated
into Starfleet.
SISKO
I can't send this to Starfleet
Command.
EZRI
Why not?
SISKO
Because I never sent in your
resignation.
EZRI
(smiles)
I had a feeling you didn't mean
all those things you said to me.
You were just trying to rattle my
cage.
SISKO
You've done it to me often
enough. I'm glad it worked.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 58A.
45 CONTINUED:
SISKO (Cont'd)
(off her look)
Garak's asked that the latest
Cardassian transmissions be sent
to the Infirmary.
(beat)
Well done.
Sisko is sincere in his congratulations, but a bit
subdued.
EZRI
Thanks.
(studying him)
Somehow I thought you'd be
happier to hear I'm staying in
Starfleet.
SISKO
I guess I'd be happier if you
were staying here at D.S. Nine.
EZRI
Me, too.
(rueful)
But you know I can't.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 59.
45 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
I hope Captain Raymer knows how
lucky she is. She's getting a
hell of a counselor.
Off the moment between them...
46 INT. GUEST QUARTERS
where Ezri is packing her SUITCASE. A CHIME at the
door.
EZRI
Yes.
To her surprise, the door OPENS to reveal Worf.
Neither of them knows quite what to say.
WORF
May I come in?
EZRI
Of course.
Worf ENTERS, and we can see that coming here has
made him very uncomfortable.
WORF
I understand that you are leaving
in the morning.
EZRI
That's right.
WORF
(with difficulty)
I am not certain that I have
treated you the way Jadzia
would've wanted me to.
EZRI
You'll get no argument from me
there.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 60.
46 CONTINUED:
Worf turns away as he tries to make sense of his
feelings...
WORF
I loved her with all my heart.
Ezri takes a step toward Worf's back, wanting to
hold him and make him feel better, but she stops
herself, knowing that she can't.
EZRI
(softly)
And she loved you...
WORF
Part of me is glad to know that
she is not gone forever... but
even so, in some ways it would be
easier if she were.
Ezri's eyes well with tears. Though Worf's back is
to her, she can sense the pain underneath his stoic
exterior.
EZRI
I know.
WORF
I have heard that the captain has
offered you a position as station
counselor.
(turning to face her)
I would not want you to decline
on my account.
Ezri is overwhelmed by Worf's gesture, but she wants
to be sure he means it.
EZRI
Worf, I can't stay. I couldn't
do that to you.
WORF
Do you wish to stay?
EZRI
(admitting it)
Very much.
WORF
Then do. Jadzia would not have
wanted you to leave because of me.
EZRI
(touched)
Thank you.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 61.
46 CONTINUED: (2)
He nods that it's settled. With a last look between
them, he heads for the door. Before leaving, he has
one last thing to say.
WORF
It will be a long time before I
can accept that I have lost her.
Until then...
Worf stops, unsure how to put it.
EZRI
(gently)
You need some breathing room. I
understand.
With a last, emotionally charged look between them,
Worf EXITS. Off Ezri's face as she watches him
go...
47 INT. WARDROOM - CLOSE - A HAND
as it pins a PIP to a collar.
ADJUST to REVEAL that Sisko is giving Ezri her
lieutenant's insignia in a promotion ceremony.
JAKE, Kira, Odo, Bashir, O'Brien, Quark, Garak and
Morn stand at the forefront of a SMALL CROWD. There
are TWO FERENGI WAITERS, a few BAJORAN DIGNITARIES
and the rest are STARFLEET OFFICERS -- including a
VULCAN and a BOLIAN. The wardroom table has been
moved out to make room, and Quark has set up a
BUFFET table along one wall. Worf is nowhere to be
seen.
SISKO
Congratulations, lieutenant.
APPLAUSE from the gathered group.
SISKO
I want you to take a good look
around.
(grave)
Because you've just agreed to
take responsibility for the
mental health of everyone in this
room.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 62.
47 CONTINUED:
SISKO (Cont'd)
(smiling)
You've got your work cut out for
you.
LAUGHTER and smiles all around. Some people head
for the buffet, while others gather round to
congratulate Ezri.
BASHIR
It's a good thing they made you a
lieutenant. I can't see taking
advice from an ensign.
O'BRIEN
Since when do you take advice
from anyone?
Ezri smiles, and the pair move off to the buffet
table. Odo and Kira approach.
ODO
Why don't you join us for dinner
tonight?
Ezrils sure they're just doing this to be kind.
EZRI
I don't want to put you out.
KIRA
Please come. It'll take the
pressure off me. He just sits
there and counts how many times I
chew.
EZRI
(smiles)
I'll be there.
Kira and Odo move off, and Ezri scans the room,
looking for the one face that's missing -- Worf. As
she moves to look for him, we DROP OFF on --
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 63.
48 SISKO AND JAKE
JAKE
(watching Ezri pass)
She is cute.
SISKO
She's also about three hundred
years too old for you.
Jake's smile falters as he remember this is true,
and we PICK UP Quark as he passes by, carrying a
PLATE of food. He approaches Ezri, who's still
looking to see if Worf's around.
QUARK
(all charm)
I took the liberty of putting
together a plate for you.
EZRI
(taking the plate)
Thanks, Quark.
(hopeful)
Worf's not here, is he?
QUARK
(suddenly worried)
Good question.
He hurries off, in case Worf is around. Ezri scans
the room, looking for Worf, and bumps into --
49 GARAK
A
moment as they regard each other.
GARAK
Congratulations, quite a crowd.
EZRI
I hope it's not making you
uncomfortable.
GARAK
(a beat)
Not at all.
A moment between them, and he moves off. Ezri looks
around, catches sight of a figure in the back. It's
Worf, standing by himself with a TANKARD of
bloodwine in his hand.
DEEP SPACE NINE: "Afterimage" - REV. 08/11/98 - ACT FIVE 64.
49 CONTINUED:
When their eyes meet across the room, she breaks
into a smile, surprised and touched to see that he's
here. Worf holds her gaze, then raises his glass
slightly -- a gesture of goodwill that means
everything to her.
The moment between them is broken when Sisko swoops
down on Ezri and takes her by the arm.
SISKO
I need you to explain something
to someone.
50 WORF
as he watches her move off with Sisko, then heads
for the door.
51 EZRI
trying to explain things to Morn, as Sisko and a few
of the others look on.
EZRI
Morn, it's me. Dax.
Morn shakes his head -- he's not buying it. Sisko
and the others break into smiles, and we start to
PULL BACK from the group. Off the image of Ezri
surrounded by the people Jadzia loved, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END